HOUSTON – If you think you know the Alamo… buckle up. Because what’s happening in San Antonio right now is nothing short of extraordinary.
Houston Life’s Melanie Camp hit the road for a classic Texas day trip — music up, Buc-ee’s pitstop included — and rolled into downtown San Antonio to see what a $550 million investment is going to look like when it’s poured directly into one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.
Spoiler alert: it is going to be very, very cool.
A Texas Road Trip With a Big Reason To Go
There’s something special about walking up to the Alamo. The energy. The history. The fact that nearly every Texan has some childhood memory tied to its stone walls.
But this visit felt different.
For the first time ever, the Alamo is embracing a bold, future-focused vision, one that preserves the past while bringing it to life with modern design, immersive storytelling, and state-of-the-art technology.
The Alamo’s Emily Baucum told us that the timing is perfect: after years of planning, the Alamo is stepping into a new era that will transform how millions of visitors experience Texas history.
What’s New: A Massive Glow-Up for a Global Icon
Right now, construction is underway on an ambitious expansion that includes:
✨ The Future Texas Cavaliers Education Center
A brand-new space designed with students in mind - especially those from right here in Houston. School kids will soon get hands-on experiences that turn history into something alive, exciting, and unforgettable.
✨ A World-Class Visitor Center and Museum
Set to open across the street from the Alamo Church, this will be the crown jewel of the entire project. Think:
- Modern architecture
- Thoughtfully curated exhibits
- Climate-controlled galleries
- Endless stories told through artifacts, media, and interactive displays
It’s the kind of museum that puts San Antonio on the world stage.
Behind the Scenes: Inside the Collections
We met up with Kolby Lanham, Senior Researcher & Historian, for a peek into the Ralston Family Collections Center - and wow.
Kolby walked us through artifacts that you can’t find anywhere else in Texas. Swords, uniforms, letters, tools… each piece holds a story, and together they help paint a fuller, richer picture of the people who lived, fought, and died here.
It’s intimate. It’s emotional. And it’s beautifully presented.
Take Cover! The Augmented Reality Experience
One of the most exciting additions is the new AR experience, “Surrounded!”
Put on the headset and suddenly you’re standing inside the 1836 battle. Cannons thunder, walls shake, and you get a visceral sense of what defenders faced.
It’s history… but make it immersive.
And it’s just a preview of the interactive storytelling coming with the new visitor center.
Why You Should Go Now
Here’s the best part: you don’t have to wait years to enjoy the new Alamo.
Many upgrades are already open, and more will roll out each season as the full project comes together.
San Antonio makes for the perfect quick getaway — grab lunch on the River Walk, wander Alamo Plaza, and squeeze in a little history that feels both timeless and totally new.
Plan Your Visit
Ready to see what’s new?
Plan your trip at TheAlamo.org.
Whether you’re a history buff, a proud Texan, or just love a good road trip, the Alamo’s transformation is worth the drive. This isn’t a rebrand - it’s a rebirth.
And trust us… you’ve never seen the Alamo like this.